System and method for generating virtual characters

Abstract

The system and method for generating a virtual character functions to enable an interface for creating and managing simulated personas that can contextually respond to stimuli. The responses of the virtual character can be set to reflect a particular type of persona. Furthermore, the virtual characters can be driven using the system and method so as to express realistic and responsive representations of a character's thoughts, emotions, and moods. The system and method preferably enable one or more users to provide input that configures and defines a set of operating parameters for a virtual character. The system and method can apply that configuration to drive character actions and behavior within one or more media format.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for generating a virtual character comprising the steps of:
 defining the properties of the virtual character; and   applying said defined properties to the virtual character;   wherein the step of defining the properties of the virtual character comprises the substeps of:   defining a set of default virtual character attributes;   defining one or more gesture sets;   defining a set of verbal traits; and   defining a set of physical attributes; and   wherein the step of applying said defined properties to the virtual character comprises the substeps of:   receiving persona stimulus input from a user; and   generating a virtual character response to the persona stimulus input in accordance with the defined properties of the virtual character.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the properties of the virtual character are defined by reference to the properties of a second virtual character. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the set of default virtual character attributes comprises a plurality of personality attributes, wherein each personality attribute is assigned a numerical value. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein each gesture set comprises one or more visual actions comprising a rigging specification performed by the virtual character, and wherein each visual action is assigned to a defined emotional mood or situation. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the set of verbal traits comprises one or more scripted response phrases. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the set of verbal traits comprises vocalization response properties. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of receiving persona stimulus input from a user comprises receiving text-based input. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of receiving persona stimulus input from a user comprises receiving audio and visual input. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of generating a virtual character response comprises:
 selecting a spoken response; 
 modulating the speaking rate, tone, and volume of the spoken response; and 
 playing the spoken response as audio. 
 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of generating a virtual character response comprises generating one or more rigging animations and animating the virtual character with the one or more rigging animations. 
     
     
         11 . A system for generating a virtual character comprising:
 a character creator interface;   an interaction interface; and   a personality engine;   wherein the character creator interface is configured to provide a graphical user interface for defining properties of the virtual character comprising a set of default virtual character attributes, one or more gesture sets, a set of verbal traits, and a set of physical attributes;   wherein the interaction interface is configured to receive persona stimulus input from a user; and   wherein the personality engine is configured to generate a virtual character response to the persona stimulus input in accordance with the defined properties of the virtual character.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the set of default virtual character attributes comprises a plurality of personality attributes, wherein each personality attribute is assigned a numerical value. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11  wherein each gesture set comprises one or more visual actions comprising a rigging specification performed by the virtual character, and wherein each visual action is assigned to a defined emotional mood or situation. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the set of verbal traits comprises one or more scripted response phrases. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the set of verbal traits comprises vocalization response properties. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the persona stimulus input comprises text-based input. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the persona stimulus input comprises audio and visual input. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the virtual character response comprises a spoken response, and wherein the personality engine is configured to modulate the speaking rate, tone, and volume of the spoken response and play the spoken response as audio. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the virtual character response comprises one or more rigging animations, and wherein the personality engine is configured to animate the virtual character with the one or more rigging animations. 
     
     
         20 . A method for generating a virtual character comprising the steps of:
 defining a set of default virtual character attributes comprising a plurality of personality attributes, wherein each personality attribute is assigned a numerical value;   defining one or more gesture sets, wherein each gesture set comprises one or more visual actions comprising a rigging specification and performed by the virtual character;   defining a set of verbal traits comprising one or more scripted response phrases and vocalization response properties; and   defining a set of physical attributes;   receiving persona stimulus input comprising audio and visual input from a user;   selecting a spoken response to the persona stimulus input;   modulating the speaking rate, tone, and volume of the spoken response in accordance with the defined virtual character attributes, gesture sets, verbal traits, and physical attributes;   playing the spoken response as audio; and   generating one or more rigging animations and animating the virtual character with the one or more rigging animations in accordance with the defined virtual character attributes, gesture sets, verbal traits, and physical attributes.